Post exposure modification of critical dimensions in mask fabrication

ABSTRACT

A system and method are described for modifying an exposure image in a radiation sensitive layer by treating the exposure image with a heterogeneous and non-uniform post exposure thermal treatment. The treatment may comprise providing different portions of the exposure feature, such as different exposure features or critical dimensions, with different thermal fluxes from a thermal modification system, such as a post exposure bake oven or hot plate configured to provide different thermal fluxes. The thermal modification system may comprise one or more adjustable spacers to adjust a radiant energy flux from a thermal energy source to the radiation sensitive layer by adjusting a separation distance between the source and the layer.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

[0001] Contained herein is material that is subject to copyrightprotection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimilereproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure,as it appears in the United States Patent and Trademark Office patentfile or records, but otherwise reserves all rights to the copyrightwhatsoever. The following notice applies to the software and data asdescribed below and in the drawings hereto: Copyright © 2001, All RightsReserved.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention relates generally to the field of semiconductormask fabrication. More particularly, the invention relates to a systemand method for fabricating a mask using a post exposure modification ofan exposure image.

[0004] 2. Background Information

[0005] Masks are often used to manufacture semiconductor devices andlogic products. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary lithography system 100that may be used to manufacture semiconductor devices based on a mask130. The system 100 includes a radiation source 110 to generate andtransmit radiation 120 to the mask 130. The mask 130 contains acircuitry pattern 140 that creates and transmits a patterned radiation150. Typically the patterned radiation 150 only a portion of theradiation 120.

[0006] The patterned radiation 150 contains circuitry information and isprovided to a semiconductor manufacturing process 160. Typically, thepatterned radiation 150 is used to selectively print or expose portionsof a resist layer and then subsequent processing is used to manufacturea semiconductor device or logic product based on the exposure.

[0007] One prior art problem is that the mask 130 and the pattern 140may have inaccuracies, errors, or both. The inaccuracies or errors mayoccur due to a number of factors, such as faulty manufacturingequipment, manufacturing equipment that is not properly calibrated, andother factors. Regardless of the cause, the errors are transferred viathe patterned radiation 150 to the semiconductor manufacturing process160 and are incorporated into the manufactured semiconductor devices.This may result in a larger proportion of semiconductor devices that donot meet specifications, that have degraded performance, or that mayfail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The novel features believed characteristic of the invention areset forth in the appended claims. The present invention is illustratedby way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of theaccompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer tosimilar elements. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferredmode of use, will best be understood by reference to the followingdetailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read inconjunction with the accompanying drawings:

[0009]FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art lithography system that uses a maskto manufacture semiconductor devices.

[0010]FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form a method for making orfabricating a mask, according to one embodiment.

[0011]FIG. 3 illustrates mask fabrication processing that incorporatescritical dimension error reduction processing, according to oneembodiment.

[0012]FIG. 4 illustrates different types of critical dimension errors,according to one embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 5 illustrates a thermal modification system to reduce acritical dimension error, according to one embodiment.

[0014]FIG. 6 illustrates critical dimension errors that depend on maskposition, according to one embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 7 illustrates a thermal modification system having a variablethermal input, according to one embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 8 illustrates a thermal modification system having anadjustable spacer, according to one embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary temperature profiles, according toone embodiment.

[0018]FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary correlation between criticaldimension error and temperature, according to one embodiment.

[0019]FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary decrease in active catalystconcentration over time, according to one embodiment.

[0020]FIG. 12 illustrates an adjustable screw spacer, according to oneembodiment.

[0021]FIG. 13 illustrates an adjustable piezoelectric spacer system,according to one embodiment.

[0022]FIG. 14 illustrates a thermal modification system comprisingremovable spacers, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] In the following description, for the purpose of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be apparent, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout some of these specific details. In other instances, well-knownstructures and devices are shown in block diagram form.

[0024] Mask Fabrication

[0025] The term “mask” will be used to broadly refer to a structurecomprising a functional pattern that acts as a selective barrier to thepassage of radiation. According to one embodiment, a mask may be asubstantially flat plate comprised of sufficiently radiation transparentportions that transmit radiation to a radiation sensitive layer andsufficiently radiation opaque portions that prevent exposure of certainareas of the radiation sensitive layer, when the layer is positionedrelative to the mask and exposed to radiation. The radiation transparentportion may be a support to which a radiation-opaque pattern has beenapplied. For example, the mask may be a transparent quartz plate with apattern defined by opaque chrome included on one side of the quartzplate. Alternatively, rather than quartz and chrome, the mask may befabricated from other radiation transparent materials suitable for theintended application, such as glass, plastic, film, and other opaquematerials, such as plastics, and other metals.

[0026] The pattern may be associated with circuitry to be created on asemiconductor device or logic product, although the invention is not solimited. The term “semiconductor logic product” and similar terms willbe used to refer to any digital logic semiconductor product device,including but not limited to digital memory, microprocessors,coprocessors, and core logic chipsets. Without limitation, and accordingto one embodiment, the semiconductor logic products may be object codecompatible with semiconductor logic products of Intel Corporation ofSanta Clara, Calif. The pattern may correspond to one of multipleprocessing layers that are used to manufacture a semiconductor logicproduct.

[0027]FIG. 2 illustrates in block diagram form a method 200, accordingto one embodiment, for fabricating a mask. The method 200 commences atblock 201, and then proceeds to block 210, where a radiation sensitivelayer is applied to a mask substrate. The term “radiation sensitivelayer” and similar terms will be used to broadly refer to a layer ofmaterial that is physically or chemically transformed when exposed toradiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation such as light, ultravioletlight, x-rays, etc. or particle beams such as electron beams).Typically, the radiation makes or assists in making the radiationsensitive layer selectively easy or difficult to remove duringdevelopment. According to one embodiment, the radiation sensitive layeris a positive resist in which exposed portions of the layer aretransformed to allow them to be easily and selectively removed such asby dissolution in a solvent. According to an alternate embodiment, thelayer is a negative resist in which exposed resist is transformed tomake it comparably difficult to remove.

[0028] According to one embodiment, a conventional radiation sensitivelayer may be applied by using conventional methods. For example, a masksubstrate (e.g., chrome on quartz with an anti-reflective oxide coating)may be pre-spin treated to remove potential contaminants by washing itin deionized water and gently etching it with O₂ plasma, and then thelayer may be spin coated on the mask substrate to a sufficiently uniformand typically predetermined layer thickness between approximately 100and 400 nanometers (nm). After the layer is applied the temperature maybe increased for a sufficient time to prepare the layer for subsequentprocessing. Depending on the particular layer applied, this may be doneto dry the layer, evaporate solvents, improve contact with thesubstrate, promote chemical reactions, or for other reasons. Forexample, depending on the thermal characteristics of the layer and thesolvents, the mask substrate and the radiation sensitive layer may beplaced on a hot plate and baked for approximately 5-20 minutes atapproximately 90-110° C. to evaporate solvent.

[0029] The method 200 advances from block 210 to block 220 where theradiation sensitive layer is exposed to patterned radiation. Any type ofpatterned radiation generating system including conventional light andelectron beam systems may provide the patterned radiation. Mirroroperation may be used to shape the patterned radiation. For example, theradiation sensitive layer may be exposed using an electron beam exposuresystem having a voltage between approximately 10-100 kV and an intensitybetween approximately 1-20 μC/cm².

[0030] The radiation exposes or prints at least a portion of theradiation sensitive layer. Typically the patterned radiation received atthe radiation sensitive layer exposes or prints a feature having acritical dimension (CD). The terms “critical dimension”, “CD” andsimilar terms will be used to refer to a dimension or distanceassociated with a feature or geometry in a pattern. For example, the CDmay be a width of a feature (e.g., a line), a separation distancebetween two features (e.g., a distance between two lines), and otherdistances in the pattern. The CD may be monitored and compared with apredetermined and specified design distance or dimension as anindication of process performance and to maintain acceptable maskmanufacturing standards and feature tolerances.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the patterned radiation received atthe radiation sensitive layer exposes or prints a CD having a CD error.The terms “critical dimension error”, “CD error” and similar terms willbe used to broadly refer to an unintended, undesirable, or erroneousdifference between an exposed CD and a predetermined, specified, ordesired CD. The CD error may be a global CD error having a positionallydependent type of CD error, magnitude of CD error, or both. For example,CD errors may increase in magnitude while moving from right to leftalong the radiation sensitive layer. Typically, CD errors are notdesired and if uncorrected may adversely affect semiconductor devicesthat are manufactured using the mask.

[0032] The method 200 advances from block 220 to block 230 where theradiation sensitive layer is modified by a sufficiently heterogeneous,non-uniform, variable thermal energy interaction. The variation maycomprise a position dependent interaction comprised of a firstinteraction at a first position of the mask and a different secondinteraction at a second position. Typically, the variable thermalinteraction will comprise a sufficiently heterogeneous and varied heatflux to different positions or regions of the layer to create differenttemperatures in those regions. These different temperatures may causesufficiently heterogeneous, non-uniform, and potentially positionvariant physico-chemical transformation of the layer and its properties.These heterogeneous physico-chemical transformations may alter theexposure image created in the layer by the processing of block 220. Forexample, a first thermal flux may be provided to a first layer regioncontaining a first CD having a first CD error of a particular type andmagnitude to reduce the first CD error and a second thermal flux may beprovided to a second layer region containing a second CD having a secondCD error having a different type, magnitude, or both to reduce thesecond CD error. The different treatments may thus differently modifythe size, the shape, or both the size and the shape of the CDs. In thisway, any desired type of non-uniform thermal energy interaction may beused to modify an exposure image. Without limitation, such modificationsmay be used to modify exposure images, to reduce inaccuracies or errorsin the exposure image, to modify CDs, to reduce inaccuracies or errorsin the CDs, to actively size or shape CDs, to shrink CDs, and to provideother desired modifications.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the variable thermal energy inputmay be provided by a post exposure bake (PEB) system and method toprovide heterogeneous heat flux to different portions of the layer. Inthis way, in addition the PEB system and method preparing the layer forsubsequent processing (e.g., hardening the layer), the PEB system andmethod may perform other desired modifications of the layer byselectively promoting or de-promoting physico-chemical transformation ofone region of the layer relative to another region. Rather than a smallunintentional temperature variation of 1-2° C. across a hot plate, thetemperature difference may be higher, intentional, and adjustable.

[0034] The method 200 advances from block 230 to block 240 where thelayer is developed. Various development methods and developers arecontemplated to be useful, depending on the particular implementationand the physico-chemical properties of the radiation sensitive layer.For example, an aqueous alkaline developers comprising about 1-5 wt % orpreferably about 2-3 wt % solution of tetra methyl ammonium hydroxide(TMAH) may be used to dissolve portions of the layer at substantiallyroom temperature by immersing the layer in a volume of the developer fora time between approximately 3 to 30 minutes, rinsing in fresh solvent,and removing the solvent. This may be performed at substantially roomtemperature or other temperatures that are suitable for the layer andfor the developer. Alternatively, other methods and developers includingconventional methods and organic solvents (e.g., methyl isobutyl ketone(MIBK)) may be used.

[0035] The method 200 advances from block 240 to block 250 where etchingis performed to create a mask pattern. According to one embodiment, anetchant (e.g., a metal etchant) suitable to remove the radiation opaquelayer (e.g., chrome) is used. According to one embodiment, etching maybe performed using conventional materials and methods. The method 200terminates at block 260.

[0036] Modifying Critical Dimensions and Error Reduction

[0037]FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates CD error reduction during maskfabrication, according to one embodiment. A radiation sensitive layer310A is applied, to a mask substrate 305A comprising a layer of chrome320A on quartz 330A. Electron beam radiation 340 that contains patterninformation is transmitted to the radiation sensitive layer 310B. Theradiation 340 includes portions 342, 344, and 346 that are eachtransmitted to different regions of the layer 310B. The radiationportion 346 comprises an error component 348 that causes a CD error. Theerror component 348 is conceptually illustrated as a missing half of theradiation portion 346, which may conceptually represent radiationblockage or transmission errors, although the error component 348 is tobe regarded more broadly to include additional types of errors thatresult in CD errors in an exposure image created in the radiationsensitive layer 310B by the radiation portion 346. For example, theerror may be due to mispositioning of the radiation 346, subwavelengtheffects such as optical proximity error, and others.

[0038] The radiation 340 exposes the radiation sensitive layer 310B tocreate the radiation sensitive layer 310C having an exposure image 350.The image 350 comprises a pattern of exposed and unexposed regionsincluding unexposed regions 351, 353, 355, and 357 and exposed regions352C, 354C, and 356C. Lengths of the exposed regions may be CDs. Theradiation portion 346 exposes the region 356C that has a CD error, dueto the error component 348.

[0039] The CD error corresponding to the exposed region 356C may bereduced to bring the CD closer to the desired predetermined CD bytreating a region comprising the CD error, a region comprising 356C, aregion comprising 357, or other proximate regions with a CD errorreduction 358. As discussed elsewhere, the CD error reduction 358 maycomprise a different (e.g., increased or decreased) thermal energyinteraction than used to treat other regions of the layer 310C.

[0040] After treatment by the CD error reduction 358, the layer 310C isdeveloped. The particular development shown is characteristic of anegative-type layer in which unexposed regions 351, 353, 355, and 357are removed and exposed portions 352D, 354D, 356D become selectivelydifficult to remove during development. As a result of the CD errorreduction processing, a CD of the region 356D has increased and the CDerror corresponding to the region 356D has been reduced. Advantageously,this reduction of the CD error for the region 356D may be carriedforward through subsequent processing to result in a mask with animproved pattern that may produce better semiconductor devices. Forexample, the regions 352D, 354D, and 356D and the layer 320D are etchedto create the mask 360 having the pattern 370 comprised of chromeregions 372, 374, and 376 on quartz 330E. The chrome region 376 has a CDthat is more similar to the CD of the region 356D than to the CD of theexposed region 356C, due to the CD error reduction 358.

[0041] Exemplary Critical Dimension Errors

[0042]FIG. 4 conceptually illustrates exemplary types of CD errors,according to one embodiment. A radiation sensitive layer 410 comprisesan oversized feature 420 having a CD oversizing error 450 and anundersized feature 460 having a CD undersizing error 490.

[0043] The oversized feature 420 comprises an actual feature 430 havingan actual CD 432. An intended feature 440 is shown for comparison toillustrate the CD oversizing error 450. By way of example, the intendedfeature 440 may have a size that the mask fabricator desired to createon the radiation sensitive layer 410. Without limitation, the intendedfeature 440 may better approximate or correspond to a predetermineddesigned circuitry pattern and may manufacture more compliant or betterperforming electronic circuitry components than the actual feature 430.The intended feature 440 comprises an intended CD 442 that is smaller indimensional length than the actual CD 432. As shown, the CD error may becomprised of potentially unequal contributions on each end of the actualCD 432. The CD oversizing error 450 will also be referred to as apositive error that results from the actual CD 432 being larger than theintended CD 442.

[0044] The undersized feature 460 comprises an actual feature 480 havingan actual CD 482. The actual feature 480 and the actual CD 482 are bothsmaller than an intended feature 470 and an intended CD 472. As shown,the CD error may be comprised of potentially unequal contributions oneach end of the actual CD 482. The CD undersizing error 490 will also bereferred to as a negative CD error that results from the actual CD 482being smaller than the intended CD 472.

[0045] Thermal Modification Systems

[0046]FIG. 5 conceptually illustrates a thermal modification system 550to modify an exposure image and to reduce a CD error, according to oneembodiment. A radiation sensitive layer 510 has an exposure image 520that includes a feature 530, such as a CD. By way of example, thefeature 530 may be associated with an intended circuitry pattern to becreated on a mask that is used to create semiconductor devices.

[0047] The feature 530 has a CD error 540. The thermal modificationsystem 550 provides a CD error reducing treatment or dose 560 to thefeature 530 and the CD error 540. According to one embodiment, thetreatment is a thermal treatment in which thermal energy is used toincrease a temperature of the radiation sensitive layer proximate to thefeature 530. According to one embodiment, the treatment is applied to aregion containing the feature 530 based on a type and magnitude of theCD error 540 and a different treatment is applied to other regionscontaining CDs having different types or magnitudes of CD errors.Advantageously, in this way, different treatments may be applied andused to compensate or reduce CD errors.

[0048] Affects of Radiation Sensitive Layer

[0049] The CD error reducing system 550 may provide different CD errorreducing treatments 560 or other modifications, depending on thecharacteristics of the radiation sensitive layer and depending on thetype and magnitude of CD error. For example, the treatment 560 may bedifferent for positive-acting and negative-acting resists, and may bedifferent for positive CD errors and negative CD errors.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the radiation sensitive layer maycomprise a negative acting, chemically amplified radiation sensitivelayer comprising a radiation sensitive chemical species that inducesphysico-chemical transformation of the layer in a way that is modifiableby the thermal modification system 550 and the treatment 560. Thetransformation may be a molecular weight increasing crosslinkingreaction that is initiated by the radiation, that reduces solubility inthe developer, and that proceeds dependent upon post exposure thermaltreatment of the layer including how the treatment affects the relativerates of crosslinking reaction, initiator diffusion, and initiatordeactivation.

[0051] For example, the radiation sensitive layer may comprise thecommercially available, negative acting, chemically amplified resistSAL-601 available from Shipley Company of Marlborough, Mass., asubsidiary of Rohm and Haas Company of Philadelphia, Pa. The resistSAL-601 comprises a base polymer, a radiation-activated acid catalystgenerator, and a crosslinking agent. After exposure, and at sufficientlyelevated temperatures, the acid catalyst diffuses and promotescrosslinking reaction between a melamine cross linker on one polymericchain and a corresponding proximate hydroxide functional group onanother polymeric chain. The crosslinking may make exposed regionsselectively difficult to remove by aqueous alkaline developer comparedwith non-exposed regions. The exact way that the temperature of thelayer changes over time may affect the rates of diffusion and reactionand result in crosslinked regions having different characteristics(e.g., crosslinking hardness) as well as size. Without limitation,temperature scenarios that provide larger total diffusion may increasethe size of the crosslinked region while scenarios that provide smallertotal diffusion may decrease the size of the crosslinked region.Accordingly, layer portions that are exposed to different temperaturesat different times may experience and reflect different post exposurethermal modifications, which may be used advantageously to affectdesired modifications. At some point the activity of the catalyst maydecrease. Without limitation, this may be due to an actual thermaldecomposition, due to the catalyst becoming bound by crosslinkedregions, and due to other factors.

[0052] Different modifications of the activated catalyst exposure imagemay be achieved by introducing heterogeneity and non-uniformity into thethermal treatment path of the exposure image. The different treatmentpath may comprise supplying different thermal fluxes to differentportions of the layer to cause the portions to experience differenttemperature profiles over time, which may cause modification of thecrosslinking for those different portions including affecting thedensity of the crosslinking reactions and affecting the “reach” of thecrosslinking at the exposed-unexposed feature edges.

[0053] For such a negative acting, chemically amplified embodiment, anegative CD undersizing error 540 may be reduced by a high flux thermaltreatment 560 that provides a region of the layer containing the feature530 with more thermal energy in a shorter period of time, compared to atreatment used for a feature 530 having a smaller negative CDundersizing error, a CD having zero error, or a positive CD oversizingerror. Without limitation, this additional energy may encourage orpromote crosslinking near an exposed-unexposed boundary of the feature530, during a time period before the activity of the acid catalyst isdecreased and is no longer available or effective to catalyze thecrosslinking reactions. In this way, thermal energy may be used tomodify and make the acid catalyst activated exposure feature 530 largerpost exposure by causing crosslinking to reach further into an unexposedregion containing the feature 530.

[0054] Likewise, a positive CD oversizing error 540 for a feature 530may be reduced by a treatment 560 that provides a region of the layerproximate to or containing the feature 530 with less thermal fluxcompared to a treatment 560 that is provided to region containing afeature having a less positive CD oversizing error, substantially no CDerror, or negative CD undersizing error. Without limitation, thisreduced energy may discourage or comparatively reduce crosslinking nearan exposed-unexposed boundary of the feature 530 during a period whenthe catalyst is active. In this way the reach of crosslinking reactionsmay be confined and reduced compared to other regions that experiencehigher temperatures resulting from higher thermal energy flux. Suchrestriction of crosslinking may effectively shrink an feature 530 by notallowing it to grow as much as another feature that receivescomparatively more flux.

[0055] Alternatively, rather than such a negative acting chemicallyamplified resist, the resist may be any other type of resist including aphysicochemical imaging mechanism that is thermally modifiable postexposure by a non-uniform thermal interaction with the layer portions.For example, the resist may be a negative acting resist, a positiveactiving resist, a chemically amplified resist, or other resists and maybe based on a variety of imaging mechanisms including deprotection,depolymerization, rearrangement, intramolecular dehydration,condensation, cationic polymerization, and others.

[0056] For purposes of illustration, consider a positive acting,chemically amplified resist, based on a deprotection imaging mechanismthe in which portions that are exposed to radiation become selectivelyeasy to remove by development. For example, consider the particularchemistry of the resist t-butoxycarbonyl (TBOC) resists available fromIBM Corporation of Armonk, N.Y. The TBOC resist comprises a lipophyllicgroup and an acid catalyst generator to generate an acid catalyst inresponse to radiation that at elevated temperatures cleaves thelipophyllic group to a developer soluble hydrophilic group. As in thecase of the Shipley resist discussed above, the temperature path of theresist post exposure may affect the rates of reaction, acid catalystdiffusion, acid catalyst deactivation, and other phenomena. Accordingly,treating different portions of the resist with different thermal energyinput flux may result in different temperatures in the layer portions atdifferent times, which may in turn result in different “reach” of thecleavage/deprotection transformations and different feature resolutions.Accordingly, different thermal fluxes may be used to modify exposureimages and exposure features.

[0057] For this resist and for other resists based on arbitraryphysicochemical compositions and transformations, empiricalinvestigations involving heterogeneous thermal fluxes may be used toinvestigate temperature over time paths that lead to desiredmodifications of an exposure feature size, shape, or both. For example,a particular exposure feature may be exposed to baseline thermal flux,relatively low thermal flux, and relatively high thermal flux, todetermine for that particular resist whether the low flux or the highflux effectively expands the “reach” of the exposure region.Accordingly, similar and more sophisticated empirical investigations maybe used to determine heterogeneous thermal treatments of an exposureimage for an arbitrary radiation sensitive layer that has post exposurephysicochemical transformations that may be modified by post exposurethermal treatment.

[0058] CD Errors may Depend on Mask Position

[0059]FIG. 6 conceptually illustrates that CD errors may depend on maskposition, according to one embodiment. A rectangular mask 610 has anassociated conceptual x-axis along a first edge 620 and a perpendiculary-axis along a second edge 630. The mask 610 includes a first region 680having a first pattern feature 640 associated with mask coordinates (x₁,y₁) and a second region 690 having a second pattern feature 660associated with mask coordinates (x₂, y₂). The first feature 640 has afirst CD having a CD error 650 and the second feature 660 has a secondCD having a CD error 670. According to one embodiment, the CD errors 650and 670 increase in at least one direction along the mask 610. Forexample, the CD errors in the mask 610 may increase from CD error 650 toCD error 670 as a result of an increase of x from x₁ to x₂, as a resultin an increase of y from y₁ to Y₂, or as a result of an increase inposition along a line connecting points (x₁, y₁) and (x₂, Y₂), which mayrepresent any arbitrary line in the mask 610. Alternatively, dependingon mask fabrication, different relationships between the CD errors arecontemplated. For example, CD error may increase or decrease with radialdistance from a center point of the mask 610. According to anotherembodiment, a feature has a CD error that is more similar in magnitudeto CD errors corresponding to proximate features compared to lessproximate features. For example, the region 680 may on average have alarger CD error than the region 690.

[0060] CD Error Reduction by Adiusted Energy Input

[0061]FIG. 7 conceptually illustrates a thermal modification system 700,according to one embodiment. The system 700 may be used to reduce a CDerror. The system 700 includes a radiation sensitive layer 710, athermal energy transport medium 760, and a variable thermal input system770 to reduce a CD error of the layer 710 by transferring differentamounts of thermal energy to the radiation sensitive layer 710 via thetransport medium 760.

[0062] The radiation sensitive layer 710 has a first CD error 730 on aleft hand side of the system 720 and a second CD error 750 on a righthand side of the system 740. The thermal energy transport medium 760 maybe any medium able to conduct thermal energy. For example, the thermalenergy transport medium may comprise a layer of chrome on a layer ofquartz. Depending on the particular implementation, the medium 760 maycomprise other medium such as a gas-filled void interface to the system770. As desired, the medium 760 may provide a sufficiently consistentand uniform heat flux to the layer 710.

[0063] According to one exemplary embodiment, the radiation sensitivelayer 710 may be a negative type, chemically amplified resist having anacid catalyst to diffuse and promote crosslinking reactions. Based onknowledge or estimation that the first CD error 730 may be a CDundersizing error, the variable thermal input system 770 may beadjusted, configured, or instructed to reduce the first CD error 730 byproviding a high thermal energy flux treatment on the left hand side720. That is, in such an embodiment, a CD undersizing error 730 may bereduced by a thermal modification system 700 that includes a variablethermal input system 770 to provide comparatively more energy flux tothe undersizing error 730 compared to a CD with less undersizing error,no CD error, or CD oversizing error.

[0064] Alternatively, according to another exemplary embodiment, thesecond CD error 750 may be a CD oversizing error that may be reduced bya low thermal energy flux on the right hand side 740. That is, in suchan embodiment, a CD oversizing error 750 may be reduced by a system 700to provide comparatively less flux to the oversizing error 750 comparedto the flux provided to a CD with less oversizing error, substantiallyno CD error, or CD undersizing error.

[0065] Different types of variable thermal input system 770 arecontemplated. According to one embodiment, the system 770 may providevariable conductive heat energy. For example, the heat may be conductedfrom a surface with non-uniform temperatures that are each controlled bya temperature control system involving multiple temperature setpoints toa layer 710 in contact with the surface. According to anotherembodiment, the system 770 may provide variable convective heat energy.For example, gas having different temperatures may be blown toward thelayer or different heat fluxes may be provided based on differentnatural convection zones that deliver convective heat to the layer 710.In still another embodiment, the system 770 may provide variable radiantheat energy to the layer 710. For example, the system 770 may comprisean infrared or heat lamp to provide variable intensity or duration ofexposure. Alternatively, rather than an infrared lamp, variable radiantheat energy may be provided by a surface having a non-uniformtemperature distribution. For example, the surface may have a hightemperature right hand side that provides the layer 710 with a highradiant energy flux and a comparatively lower temperature left hand sidethat provides the layer with a lower flux of radiant energy.Alternatively, rather than an infrared lamp or this non-uniform surfacetemperature, the variable radiant energy input may be provided by avariable separation distance between the layer 710 and a thermal energyinput system having a substantially uniform surface temperature. Forexample, as will be explained further below, such an embodiment mayprovide one or more height adjustable spacers to provide a variable andadjustable separation distance between the layer 710 and a post exposurebake hot plate. Alternatively other embodiments are contemplated to beuseful for providing a variable thermal energy input to the layer 710and will be apparent to a person having an ordinary level of skill inthe art based on the present disclosure.

[0066] CD Error Reduction System Having Adjustable Spacers

[0067]FIG. 8 conceptually illustrates a thermal modification system 800having adjustable spacers, according to one embodiment. The system 800may be used to reduce a CD error. The system 800 includes a radiationsensitive layer 810, a thermal energy transport medium 840, and avariable thermal input system 895 comprising a first and second heightadjustable spacer 860 and 870, and a thermal energy source 880 to reducea CD error of the layer 810 by transporting thermal energy through themedium 840. As shown, the thermal energy transport medium 840 maycomprise a radiation-opaque layer 845 (e.g., chrome), aradiation-transparent layer 850 (e.g., quartz), and air 855 thatseparates the thermal energy source 880 and the radiation-transparentlayer 850.

[0068] The radiation sensitive layer 810 comprises a first CD error 820and a second CD error 830. Typically at least one of the CD errors 820and 830 may be reduced by a thermal energy interaction or treatment fromthe system 800 that depends on adjustments of a first adjustable spacer860 having a first adjustment distance 865 and a second adjustablespacer 870 having a second adjustment distance 875. For example, eitherof the spacers 860 and 870 may be adjusted to lengthen or shorten thedistances 865 and 875. Such adjustments may increase or decrease thethermal energy that is transmitted to the CD errors 820 and 830 due tothermal energy transport, such as by radiation, convection (e.g., freeconvection due to heated air rising from the thermal energy source 880),conduction, or by combinations of these transport phenomena. Forexample, increasing the distance 875 by adjusting the spacer 870 maydecrease the amount of radiant heat energy that is transported to thesecond CD error 830 by way of radiant heat transfer from a right handside of the thermal energy source 880. Without limitation, the amount ofradiant heat energy transferred may vary substantially proportionally tothe square of the height 875.

[0069] The first and second adjustable spacers 860 and 870 may be anytype of spacers sufficient to couple the radiation sensitive layer 810with the thermal energy source 880 at adjustable separation distances865 and 875. According to one embodiment, the spacers 860 and 870 areable to accurately and reliably adjust the separation distances 865 and875 based of human and/or device input. For example, depending on theparticular implementation, the spacers 860 and 870 may be able toreliably adjust the distances 865 and 875 by approximately 10micrometers, 50 micrometers, or 100 micrometers.

[0070] Typically, the spacers 860 and 870 receive energy and do work byadjusting the heights 865 and 875, respectively. According to oneembodiment, the spacers 860 and/or 870 are mechanically adjustable andthey receive mechanical energy (e.g., rotational, translational,pressure/volume, or other conventional forms) from a human or device(e.g., a motor) and adjust the height 865 and/or 875 to change thedistance of separation of the radiation sensitive layer 810 and thethermal energy source 880. For example, the spacers 860 and/or 870 maybe jacks that are adjustable by translational energy applied through alever or rotational energy applied through a gear, pistons that areadjustable by energy applied through pressure, screws that areadjustable and provide linear motion based on rotational energy input,nails or spikes that are adjustable by translational energy, and byother conventional height-adjusting systems.

[0071] According to an alternate embodiment, the spacers 860 and/or 870are electrically adjustable spacers that receive electrical energydirectly and adjust the heights 865 and/or 875. For example, the spacers860 and/or 870 may be piezo-electric spacers that generate a particularpredetermined mechanical force associated with a distance 865 and/or 875that corresponds to an input voltage.

[0072] Depending on the particular implementation, the spacers 860 and870 may be made of different materials of construction. According to oneembodiment, the spacers may comprise metal such as stainless steel oraluminum, plastic, ceramic, quartz, or other materials. The desiredmaterial may have a sufficiently low thermal conductivity to reduceconductive heat transfer from the thermal energy source 880 to theradiation sensitive layer 810. Alternatively, a low-conductivityinsulating spacer may be functionally coupled between the energy source880 and the layer 850. For example, a polyamide o-ring or piece may bebetween the spacer 870 and the layer 850.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the spacer 860 may comprise adistance measurement system to measure a distance associated with thespacer 860. Conventional distance measurement systems and methods may beused. For example, the distance measurement system may be an electricalmeasurement system that measures an electrical property such asconductance, resistance, capacitance, or another property of a length ofthe air 855 that corresponds to an adjustment of the spacer 860.Alternatively, a laser-based system may be used to measure the distance.The distance measurement system may comprise a scale of distanceintervals, such as a ruler comprises.

[0074] The thermal energy source 880 may be a thermal energy source tosupply thermal energy via conventional forms of thermal energy exchangesuch as conduction, convection, and radiation. According to oneembodiment, the thermal energy source 880 is a temperature elevatedradiant energy source that emits radiant energy through the medium 890,which may be a gas (e.g., nitrogen, air, dry air, etc) or a vacuum totransmit the radiant energy to the radiation sensitive layer 810 via thelayers 840 and 850. For example, the thermal energy source 880 may besimilar to a hot plate and may have an electrical energy source and aresistance to convert electrical energy into thermal energy.Alternatively, the thermal energy source 880 may include a lamp (e.g., aradiant energy lamp or an infrared lamp). Depending on the particularthermal energy source 880, the system 800 may often comprise aninterface to a source of electrical energy (e.g., an outlet, agenerator, or a battery).

[0075] Exemplary Temperature Profiles

[0076]FIG. 9 conceptually illustrates exemplary temperature profiles forpost exposure thermal treatment of a radiation sensitive layer,according to one embodiment. The two curves, one indicated by open boxesand one by open triangles, show different layer temperatures resultingfrom a heterogeneous, non-uniform post exposure thermal treatment.

[0077] In the shown embodiment, the temperature of all portions of thelayer is increased from a starting temperature that may be approximatelyroom temperature to a final temperature that may be approximately 2-5times, or preferably around 3.5 times higher than the startingtemperature, during a period of approximately 3-5 or preferably about 4minutes. Different portions receive different thermal fluxes and achievedifferent temperatures at different times. The curve indicated by openboxes is labeled hot portion to indicate that it corresponds to aportion of the radiation sensitive layer that receives high thermalfluxes. Likewise, the curve indicated by open triangles is labeled coldportion to indicate that it corresponds to a portion that receives lowerthermal fluxes and achieves a relatively lower temperature.

[0078] The initial time portions at temperatures above approximately50-70° C. may more strongly affect modifications of the exposure imagethan previous times at lower temperatures or subsequent times at highertemperatures. Without limitation, in the case of the Shipley resist, thecrosslinking reactions may be slow at temperatures below 40° C. and atsubsequent higher temperatures and longer times the catalyst may bedeactivated or bound by crosslinked regions. Accordingly, differencebetween the two curves during these periods may be used to affectheterogeneous modifications of the exposure image. In particular, thedifferences may be effective to differently balance kinetic accelerationof crosslinking reactions, diffusion of acid catalyst, and acid catalystdeactivation in resists, such as the Shipley SAL resist, which may leadto exposure image modification. For example, without limitation, such aheterogeneous thermal post exposure treatment of the layer may be usedto “grow” an undersized feature with the hot treatment and comparably“shrink” an oversized exposure feature in a negative type, chemicallyamplified resist, such as the Shipley SAL resist.

[0079] As desired, the higher temperatures may be maintained for a timesufficient to harden the radiation sensitive layer, cure the layer,remove moisture, diffuse radiation sensitive components, and/orencourage a good develop. For example, the temperature may be maintainedat approximately 80-120° C. for approximately 5-30 minutes, orpreferably at approximately 90-100° C. for approximately 10 minutes.

[0080] Different thermal treatments are also contemplated. According toone embodiment, the temperature is increased more slowly than shown inFIG. 9. For example, the temperature may be increased from approximatelyroom temperature at time zero, to approximately 30-40° C. at one minute,to approximately 70-80° C. at 2 minutes, to approximately 80-90° C. at 3minutes, and thereafter to approximately 85-95° C. Alternatively,regular temperature rates of change may be preferred in certainembodiments. For example, the layer temperature may be subjected to aconstant rate of increase, a constant rate of temperature acceleration,or a constant rate of temperature deceleration. Alternatively, ratherthan these thermal treatments and their equivalents, a person having anordinary level of skill in the art may determine treatments that areeffective for any type of radiation sensitive layer for which anexposure image may be modified post exposure, without undueexperimentation, based on the present disclosure, by empiricallyinvestigating multiple different temperature ramping profiles anddetermining which profile achieves the desired exposure imagemodification.

[0081] Table 2 contains exemplary thermal energy gradient data for asystem such as system 800, according to one embodiment. According to oneembodiment, the data represents a system 1 minute after rampingaccording to the ramping profile of FIG. 9, when the thermal energysource 880 temperature was approximately 60 degrees Celsius. DIFFERENCEBETWEEN DIFFERENCE BETWEEN DISTANCES TEMPERATURES (MICROMETERS) (DEGREESCELSIUS) 0 0 15 5 25 7 45 10 70 13

[0082] A first column contains a difference in distance between theradiation sensitive layer 810 and the thermal energy source 880 fordifferent adjustment scenarios. According to one embodiment, thedifferences listed in the first column primarily account for thedifference between the distances 865 and 875. A second column containsdifference in temperature between a right hand side corresponding to thedistance 865 and a left hand side corresponding to the distance 875. Asshown, the temperature difference in the second column increases as thedifference between the distance increases. The shorter distancecorresponds to the hotter temperature. Without limitation, thetemperature difference may be due to a decrease in radiant heat energyreaching the radiation sensitive layer 810 as well as other contributingfactors (e.g., free convection due to hot gasses rising from the source880.

[0083] CD Error Reducing Temperatures

[0084]FIG. 10 conceptually represents an exemplary correlation that maybe used to determine a CD error reducing temperature for a system likesystem 800, according to one embodiment. According to one embodiment,the exemplary correlation pertains to the system comprising a negativetype chemically amplified resist one minute after ramping according tothe ramping profile shown in FIG. 9.

[0085] The correlation relates a magnitude of a CD error and adifference between a CD error reducing temperature (T_(CD error)) and atemperature corresponding to a conceptual CD having zero error(T_(No error)). For example, an oversizing error of magnitude +5 maycorrespond to a CD error reducing temperature that is 10° C. coolercompared with a conceptual zero CD error temperature and an undersizingerror of magnitude −5 may correspond to a temperature that is 10° C.hotter compared with the conceptual zero CD error temperature. Thisexemplary linear correlation may be useful for many embodiments,especially over a narrow range of CD errors, although more sophisticatednon-linear correlations are contemplated.

[0086] Decrease in Amplifying Catalyst Concentration

[0087]FIG. 11 conceptually represents, without limitation, a decrease inactive catalyst concentration over time that may occur in certainradiation sensitive layers and negative-type chemically amplifiedresists. The concentration of active catalyst decreases from an initialconcentration (C₀) to a near zero over several minutes at elevatedtemperature (e.g., 4 minutes in this particular embodiment). In thisparticular embodiment, the concentration has decreased to half of theinitial concentration (i.e., C₀/2), which in this particular embodimentmay occur proximate to 1 minute after temperature ramping begins.Without limitation, this may be due to thermal decomposition, sterichindrance, and due to other factors that may affect catalytic activity.According to one embodiment, such decrease in the active catalystconcentration may be measured and used to understand and improve CDerror reduction, including developing temperature rate of changeprofiles, determining thermal gradients, and determining adjustmentdistances.

[0088] Screw Spacer

[0089]FIG. 12 conceptually illustrates an exemplary adjustable screwspacer 1200, according to one embodiment. The term “screw” will be usedto broadly refer to a device to create substantially linear motion basedon rotational energy input. The exemplary screw 1200 comprises acylindrical shaft 1210 and an inclined plane thread 1220 coupled withand spiraling around the shaft 1210. The thread 1220 may be adhered tothe shaft 1210 or carved from the shaft 1210, as desired. The thread1220 has at least one pitch length 1230, which may be betweenapproximately 0.1 and 1 millimeter, depending on the particularimplementation. Longer pitch lengths may be more durable and moreeconomical to manufacture, although shorter pitch lengths may providemore accuracy. Embodiments with multiple different pitches and with apitch that changes along the shaft 1210 are also contemplated. The shaft1210 has a diameter 1240 that may be vary over a wide rangesubstantially without limitation, although typically the diameter 1240will be between 1-10 millimeters.

[0090] The exemplary screw 1200 also has a durable head 1250 that has adiameter 1260 that may be larger than the diameter 1240, such as whenthe diameter 1240 is at the short end of the provided range. The head1250 often provides a rotational energy interface 1270, which in thiscase is at least one slotted groove, to interface or engage with arotational energy source such as a screwdriver. The screw may alsocomprise a low thermal conductivity insulator 1280, which in this caseis a polyamide o-ring, to reduce conductive heat transfer between athermal source at high temperature and a radiation sensitive layer.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the screw adjustable spacer 1200 maybe any conventional type of screw. For example, the spacer 1200 may be aslotted-head screw, a leveling screw, a jackscrew, a cap screw, aninterrupted screw, a socket-head screw, a round-head screw, a right-handscrew, a left-hand screw, a Phillips machine screw, a Phillips headscrew, an Allen screw, a ball screw, a tangent screw, an endless tangentscrew, a thumbscrew, a stepped screw, a stage screw, or other types ofscrews. Advantageously, use of one of these conventional type screws,especially a commercially available conventional type screw, may offereconomic advantages. Alternatively, the spacers 860 and 870 may becustom or tailored screws that have features and properties that areshown and described, or that would be apparent to one having an ordinarylevel of skill in the art based on this disclosure. For example,depending on the particular implementation, spacers according to apredetermined design specification may be obtained from Sigmameltec Ltd.of Asao-Ku, Kawasaki, Japan.

[0092]FIG. 13 conceptually illustrates an exemplary piezoelectricadjustable spacer system 1300, according to one embodiment. The spacersystem 1300 comprises a voltage regulator 1330 to receive a voltage 1320from a voltage source and to regulate a magnitude of voltage provided toa piezoelectric spacer 1310. The voltage regulator 1330 may regulatevoltage based on predetermined adjustments or settings (e.g., setpoints)provided by humans or systems. For example, according to one embodiment,the regulator 1330 accesses industrial manufacturing quality controldata (e.g., CD errors determined by scanning electron microscope) from amemory to determine what types of CD errors have been encountered in theprior quality control lots, and comprises predetermined instructions tocorrelate the quality control data to an output voltage.

[0093] After determining an output voltage, the voltage regulator 1330asserts or provides a first voltage 1340 to the piezoelectric spacer1310. For purposes of illustration, the piezoelectric spacer 1310 isshown in a first state 1350 having a first distance or height 1355 thatcorresponds to the first voltage 1340. By way of example, the firststate 1350 and the height 1355 may reduce a CD undersizing error. Thesystem 1300 is adjustable, such that CD errors of a different type ormagnitude are encountered, the voltage regulator 1330 may assert orprovide a second different voltage 1360 to cause the piezoelectricspacer 1310 to have a second state 1360 that in this case has an addeddistance or height 1375.

[0094] CD Error Reduction System with Removable Spacers

[0095]FIG. 14 conceptually illustrates a CD error reducing system 1400incorporating removable spacers, according to one embodiment. The system1400 comprises a thermal energy source 1410, which may be a hot platesuch as conventionally used in post exposure baking operations. Thethermal energy source 1410 comprises four voids 1412, 1414, 1416, and1418 each configured to receive one of removable spacing systems 1422,1424, 1426, and 1428. The void 1412 may be a cubic, rectangular solid,cylindrical, triangular, or other form of void of the source 1410 toaccommodate a corresponding approximately equally sized and shapedspacing system 1422 to fit within the void 1412 typically with a good,snug, and consistent fitting to encourage reliable performance of thesystem 1400. As shown, the void 1412 may be along a side. Alternatively,the void 1412 may be located at a corner, or at an interior location.The spacing system 1422 may be made of the same material as the source1410 or of a different material. Typically, when the materials aredifferent, the coefficients of thermal expansion for the materials willbe sufficiently close to avoid stresses and inconsistencies duringtemperature ramping.

[0096] According to one embodiment, each of the spacing systems 1422,1424, 1426, and 1428 comprise a spacer 1452, 1454, 1456, and 1458 thatrespectively may extend above a functional top surface 1432, 1434, 1436,and 1438. The top surfaces 1432-1338 may be substantially coplanar witha top functional surface of the source 1410, or they may be elevated orde-elevated with respect to the top surface of the source 1410, asdesired. The spacers 1452-1358 may provide a thermal energy gradient,such as described for the systems 700 and/or 800.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the spacers 1452-1358 areadjustable. For example, the spacer 1452 may be a screw spacer 1452Bthat is adjustable by rotation. In this embodiment, the solid 1432 maycomprise a cylindrical void (not shown) that may open through a circularopening in the surface 1442. The void may or may not extend and open ona bottom surface of the solid 1432. The cylindrical void may comprisestructure corresponding to a thread and shaft of the screw spacer 1452B.The spacer 1452 may also comprise a thermal insulator, such as apolyamide o-ring 1460. Such a system 1422 incorporating the spacer 1452Bmay be used by removing the solid 1432 from the void 1412, accuratelyadjusting the spacer 1452B with a screwdriver so that the spacer 1452Bprovides a desired distance relative to a top functional surface of thesource 1410, accurately measuring the desired distance if desired, andreplacing the solid 1432 back into the void 1412 prior to use.

[0098] Alternatively, rather than adjustable spacing systems 1422-1328,the systems 1422-1328 may be predetermined spacing systems that are notadjustable. In this embodiment, a plurality of such predeterminedsystems may be provided to be useful for different magnitudes and typesof CD error reduction, so that one may be selected and used withoutadjustment.

[0099] Reduction of Drifting CD Errors

[0100] Mask fabrication may be improved, according to one embodiment, bymonitoring CD errors for previously fabricated masks and adjusting CDerror reduction processing according to this monitoring. Table 1contains CD error data collected for exemplary mask fabricationequipment. CD ERROR INCREASE CD ERROR INCREASE IN X-DIRECTION INY-DIRECTION DAY (NANOMETERS) (NANOMETERS) Jun. 13, 2001   A    B Jun.20, 2001 0.1A  2.5B Jun. 27, 2001 0.5A   −2B Jul. 04, 2001   −A −1.5BJul. 11, 2001   −A   −4B

[0101] The first column includes days that multiple masks werefabricated by the equipment. The second and third columns include dailyCD error data in terms of A and B, where A and B represent an arbitraryCD error increase in the x-direction and y-direction on the date Jun.13, 2001. More particularly, the second column includes an averageincrease in CD error along the mask as x is increased from x=0 to x=x.The third column includes a similar increase as y increases from 0 toy_(max).

[0102] As shown, the average magnitude and positional dependency of CDerrors may drift or change over time. For example, as shown in Table 1,initially the CD error increased across the mask in both the x and they-directions, whereas later the CD error tended to decrease as x and yapproach x_(max) and y_(max) respectively. This type of knowledge ofprior CD errors may be used to perform CD error reduction. For example,in the case of substantially CD undersizing errors and a negative typechemically amplified resist, CD error reduction processing for day Jul.2, 2001 may be anticipated by applying more thermal energy to a CDerrors close to (0, 0) and comparatively less energy to CD errors closeto (x_(max) and y_(max)).

[0103] Alternate Embodiments

[0104] The invention is not limited to the particular context andexamples described above, and other uses of the invention will beappreciated by a person having an ordinary level of skill in the art andhaving the benefit of the present disclosure. For example, according toone embodiment, the invention is not limited to the context of CD errorreduction and may be used more generally to modify exposure features andCDs regardless of whether they have errors and regardless of whether theerrors are reduced. For example, according to one embodiment, aheterogeneous and non-uniform temperature interaction may be used toactively size and shape an exposure image, such as to actively shrink acritical dimension. Other uses are contemplated and will be apparent toone having an ordinary level of skill in the art, based on the presentdisclosure.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the invention is also notlimited to mask fabrication and may be used in general to modify anexposure image in a radiation sensitive layer. For example, rather thana radiation sensitive layer associated with mask fabrication, theexposure image may be an exposure image in a layer of a semiconductordevice or logic product that is manufactured using the mask.

[0106] In conclusion, the present invention provides a system and methodfor modifying an exposure image in a radiation sensitive layer byproviding a non-uniform heterogeneous thermal energy input to theexposure image.

[0107] In the foregoing specification, the invention has been describedwith reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, beevident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

1-21. (Cancelled)
 22. A system comprising: a hot plate; a surface of the hot plate; a plurality of screws coupled with the hot plate, each of the plurality of screws having an adjustment, at least one of the plurality of screws having an adjustment such that a top surface of the screw extends above the surface of the hot plate by a distance; a substrate positioned over the surface of the hot plate, the position of the substrate over the surface of the hot plate being based at least in part on the adjustments of the plurality of the screws; and an exposed radiation sensitive layer coupled with the substrate, the exposed radiation sensitive layer having a first exposed feature having a first error and a second exposed feature having a second error, wherein the adjustments of the plurality of the screws are based at least in part on the first error and the second error.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the substrate comprises a layer of opaque material over a transparent material, the layer of opaque material under the exposed radiation sensitive layer.
 24. The system of claim 22, further comprising an insulator disposed between a surface of at least one of the screws and the substrate.
 25. The system of claim 22, further comprising a distance measurement system to measure a distance associated with an adjustment of a screw.
 26. A system comprising: a hot plate; a surface of the hot plate; and a plurality of screws coupled with the hot plate, the screws each capable of being adjusted to have a surface that extends above the surface of the hot plate.
 27. The system of claim 26, wherein at least one of the plurality of screws comprises an insulator coupled with a top surface thereof.
 28. The system of claim 26, further comprising a distance measurement system to measure a distance associated with an adjustment of at least one of the screws.
 29. A system comprising: a thermal input system; a surface of the thermal input system; and a plurality of height adjustable spacers coupled with the thermal input system, the height adjustable spacers each capable of being adjusted to provide a surface that extends above the surface of the thermal input system.
 30. The system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of height adjustable spacers comprise a screw.
 31. The system of claim 29, wherein the plurality of height adjustable spacers comprise a piezoelectric substance coupled with an adjustable input voltage source.
 32. The system of claim 29, further comprising an insulator coupled with at least one of the height adjustable spacers.
 33. The system of claim 29, further comprising a distance measurement system to measure a distance associated with an adjustment of at least one of the height adjustable spacers.
 34. A system comprising: a surface to provide a substantially uniform surface temperature when heated; and a height adjustable spacer coupled with the surface, the height adjustable spacer having a top surface capable of extending above the surface by an adjustable distance.
 35. The system of claim 34, wherein the height adjustable spacer comprises a screw.
 36. The system of claim 34, wherein the height adjustable spacer comprises a piezoelectric substance.
 37. The system of claim 34, further comprising an insulator coupled with the height adjustable spacer.
 38. The system of claim 34, further comprising a distance measurement system to measure a distance including the adjustable distance.
 39. A system comprising: a thermal energy source to provide thermal energy; and an adjustment system to specify a heterogeneous thermal treatment for an exposure image in a radiation sensitive layer positioned to receive the thermal energy based on the adjustment system.
 40. The system of claim 39, wherein the adjustment system comprises at least one height adjustable spacer.
 41. The system of claim 40, wherein the at least one height adjustable spacer comprises at least one screw.
 42. The system of claim 40, wherein the at least one height adjustable spacer comprises at least one piezoelectric substance coupled with an adjustable input voltage source.
 43. The system of claim 39, further comprising a distance measurement system to measure a distance associated with the adjustment system.
 44. A system comprising: a thermal energy source to provide a uniform thermal treatment; and adjustment means to make the uniform thermal treatment substantially non-uniform. 